No one understands Bloomberg, and Bloombergism, better than NYT's Haberman

[Smarmie Doofus]

Predictably, he gets to he heart of the snowstorm fiasco, with nary a wasted word, faster than anyone else. I begin with yesterday's column, the meatiest excerpt pushed to the front:



>>>>>>Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and his minions had a somewhat better sense of timing.

They had brains enough this week not to drop any of their usual hints about what a splendid president Mr. Bloomberg would make despite his public insistence that he has no interest in the job. The mayor loves to talk about his nonpartisan, common-sense approach to problem-solving. In that regard, he allied himself this month with a new political organization called No Labels.

After the botched handling of the blizzard, his claims to nonpareil managerial skills could inspire a countermovement called No Fables. As things now stand, his best shot at making it to the White House may be to join a guided tour.

The mayor, however, did qualify for an honor of his own: a Tony award. No, not the theater prize named for Antoinette Perry. This Tony is for Marie Antoinette.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/nyregion/21nyc.html














NYC
A Mayor Stays True to Himself
By CLYDE HABERMAN
Published: December 30, 2010


The award for most unfortunate timing by a public agency has to go to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the increased transit fares and bridge tolls that went into effect on Thursday.

Not that there was any way to delay the higher charges. The authority must enter the new year with a budget that is nominally balanced. Thanks to state and city politicians, who love to complain about mass transit while eternally failing to provide nearly enough money for it, there was no alternative to raising prices.

It also should be borne in mind that MetroCards continue to provide regular users with a pretty good deal, even if they cost more than before. Discounts on pay-per-ride cards may no longer be particularly attractive. But the unlimited-ride cards, which account for half of all purchases despite the stiff outlay of dollars that is required, offer decent discounts.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. But I saw all those people in Times Square last night on my teevee!!

The snow must have been removed! They were all there partying!!

[CTyankee]

5. I walked in that glop on Thursday. Eleven blocks to Grand Central Station and it

wasn't pretty. I was lucky to make my train to New Haven.

It was pretty nasty in midtown Manhattan. It was mobbed with people (what was I thinking, going to MoMa the week between xmas and new years). Dirty snow melting into dirty water...on 5th Avenue midtown! Sheesh...

[Me.]

2. Predictably, As With All Megalomaniacs

He has stayed too long at the dance

[TommyO]

3. A friendly reminder about DU's copyright guidelines

Please limit citations from external sources to no more than four paragraphs, also a link to the external source must be provided. Here is the link to the second piece cited: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/nyregion/31nyc.html?_r=1&ref=clydehaberman

[Smarmie Doofus]

4. Apologies and thanks for the correct link.

I seem to have trouble bypassing the "subscribers only" feature of the Times.. it's a new fangled thing that can be circumvented w. difficulty. But it gets me fouled up.

Thanks again.